Economist salary
Updated Updated for 2026 tax law
An economist earns a median of $124,720 a year ($59.96 an hour) in the US, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025). The average is $142,130. About 17,790 people work in this job.
Take-home pay on $124,720
- Gross pay
- $4,796.92
- Federal income tax
- −$717.95
- Social Security (6.2%)
- −$297.41
- Medicare (1.45%)
- −$69.56
- Texas income tax
- $0.00No state income tax on wages
- Take-home pay
- $3,712.00
Annual breakdown
- Gross
- $124,720
- Federal
- $18,667
- FICA
- $9,541
- State + local
- $0
- Net
- $96,512
- Marginal federal rate
- 24.0%
- Marginal state rate
- 0.0%
2026 federal brackets (Rev. Proc. 2025-32) and 2026 state rules. Estimates assume wages are your only income and use annual liability, so your actual withholding can differ slightly.
Similar jobs
- Physical Scientist: $122,570
- Biochemist and Biophysicist: $127,410
- Astronomer: $128,820
- Materials Scientist: $117,790
- Psychologist: $110,840
- Nuclear Technician: $110,240
- Political Scientist: $142,080
- Sociologist: $106,030
BLS occupation: Economists. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 (SOC 19-3011). Excludes the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an economist make an hour?
The median hourly wage is $59.96; the average is $68.33.
What is the salary range for an economist?
The bottom 10% earn under $67,360 and the top 10% earn over $238,060 a year.
How much is $124,720 after taxes?
About $96,512 a year in Texas (no state income tax) or $87,537 in California for a single filer in 2026.
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Estimates for information only — not tax, legal or financial advice.